ShareThisBy ANNA WALLNER and KRISTINA MATISIC
Fine Living Network
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
With summertime just around the corner it's garage sale shopping time for millions of Americans. And garage sales and flea markets are great scouring grounds for antiques. But whether you're shopping at a garage sale or a dealer, antique furniture has the highest incidence of fakes. So you need to know how to spot the real thing.
If you're heading to the garage sales, show up early, but not too early. Most garage sale holders don't appreciate shoppers showing up before the posted opening time. And cash only please!
No matter where you shop, take a flashlight to closely examine the piece and determine its condition. Look at it from all angles, pull it away from a wall, and pull drawers out all the way.
Check your local newspaper for estate sales. They can be a great place to nab deals, as the seller is typically eager to get rid of items.
Auctions are a good place to shop. But remember that every item is sold as is, and all sales are final. Be sure to attend the presale to preview items up close.
Antique pieces are usually classified by country of origin and date, as well as the reigning monarch of the time (like Queen Anne if English or Empire if French).
When scouring garage sales it's often a good idea to ask if there is any more furniture inside that might be for sale.
If you're purchasing a larger item and need to leave the garage sale to arrange for delivery, take a drawer or other piece of the item with you, if possible. That way it won't get sold out from under you while you're gone.
Haggling is expected even when you're shopping at an antiques dealer.
A dealer can be a great source of information, and many will let you take a piece home on a trial basis. Take them up on it.
If shopping at a dealer, your receipt should contain more information than just the price. It should also outline period, type of piece, and information about where it came from. That way, if it turns out to be a fake you might have some recourse.
